The Maine Approach – Virtual Assisted Living
I found a terrific book Alone and Invisible No More by Allan Teer, M.D. about what he calls the Maine Approach. He has developed a methodology for support for aging at home that works several steps removed from a medical model; using peer relationships, some technology for monitoring and maintaining contacts, and a fair amount of volunteer labor. It is both a lot of common sense, and quite innovative. He has a lot of problems with dealing with state entities (in this case Maine). Lots of anecdotes and personal stories make for very lively reading. Here’s a link to the book at Chelsea Green publishers… where I had gone to actually get a different book entirely.
http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/alone_and_invisible_no_more
And his web site is:
http://www.FullCircleAmerica.com/
Their technology supports are interesting, and include:
1. Skype-like single and multipoint videoconferencing
2. Proximity and motion sensors
3. Limited surveillance cameras, especially for seniors living alone in isolated locations.
